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Judge condemns stalker's 'sinister' crimes

Al Amin Dhalla was found guilty of orchestrating a campaign of harassment Photo: Sussex Police

A former City worker found guilty of orchestrating a campaign of harassment against a doctor and her mother has been jailed for at least six years.

Al Amin Dhalla, 42, moved into the home in Brighton, East Sussex, of Dr Alison Hewitt, 35, months after meeting her through an elite online dating agency for professionals.

But relations soured after Dr Hewitt's family voiced concern over his "unseemly haste" to marry her and over lies they uncovered about his past.

The couple split after a year, triggering a four-month campaign by Dhalla in which he tried to burn down her mother and stepfather's home and hired a private investigator to snoop on her.

Alison Hewitt (right) talks to reporters with her mother Pamela and step father David Gray at Lewes Crown Court in February Credit: PA

At the height of the harassment, police airlifted Dr Hewitt's mother Pamela Hewitt and stepfather David Gray from their holiday home on Lundy Island off the Devon coast amid fears for their safety.

In February, ex-City auditor Dhalla was found guilty of seven counts, including arson being reckless as to whether life is endangered, attempted arson, harassment of Dr Hewitt and her mother, theft and damaging property.